Fans of modern-day cast iron know that the rougher, pebbly surface is easier to season. Although smooth cast iron cookware may take a little more work to season, both types of pans can be well seasoned. There is no consensus on this debate. It all seems to comes down to personal preference.

What does a bad cast iron look like?

A well-seasoned cast iron pan should be dark black, shiny, and smooth to the touch. Unseasoned cast iron has a rough look and feel until it is properly seasoned. Here are some sure signs of damage and misuse: It's covered in rust.

Why does my cast iron look dull?

Cast iron will become dull if it's heated without any oil on the cooking surface, or if it's heated without enough oil in the pan to cook the food. The dullness comes when the oil on the pan burns off before cooking. To fix this, just re-season the pan.